Plectaster

Plectaster decanus, the mosaic sea star, is a species of sea star found off the south coast of Australia. It is the only species in the genus Plectaster.

Plectaster
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Echinodermata
Class:	Asteroidea
Order:	Spinulosida
Family:	Echinasteridae
Genus:	Plectaster Sladen, 1889
Species:	P. decanus
Binomial name
Plectaster decanus (Müller & Troschel 1843)[1]
Synonyms[1]
Echinaster decanus Müller & Troschel, 1843

Description

Plectaster decanus

This five-armed starfish is distinguished by its very bright colors. A group of raised yellow ridges covers its red upper surface and it is soft in texture. Plectaster decanus is one of the few poisonous sea stars, and can cause numbness in humans if it is carried for any length of time.^[2]

Distribution and habitat

Plectaster decanus lives in rocky reefs off the southern coast of Australia. It lives at a depth of 30–600 ft (10–180 m).^[2]

Food

Plectaster decanus primarily feeds on sponges.^[2]